The Art of Shaping a Bonsai Tree

The Art of Shaping a Bonsai Tree

Ryan Neil has spent over a decade working to master the Japanese artof bonsai. As he shapes and forms these miniature trees, he describes how closely intertwined humans are with them. Filmmaker Ryan Bush captures Neil’s dedication to theart form and the responsibility he holds while practicing his craft. “If you don’t respect that life and death is a very real part ofthe creative process of bonsai … you don’t have anything in the end except for a big dead tree.”

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the web and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's mission of inspiring people to care about the planet. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of the National Geographic Society.

Know of a great short film that should be part of our Showcase? Email SFS@ngs.org to submit a video for consideration.

The Art of Shaping a Bonsai Tree

Ryan Neil has spent over a decade working to master the Japanese artof bonsai. As he shapes and forms these miniature trees, he describes how closely intertwined humans are with them. Filmmaker Ryan Bush captures Neil’s dedication to theart form and the responsibility he holds while practicing his craft. “If you don’t respect that life and death is a very real part ofthe creative process of bonsai … you don’t have anything in the end except for a big dead tree.”

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the web and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's mission of inspiring people to care about the planet. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of the National Geographic Society.

Know of a great short film that should be part of our Showcase? Email SFS@ngs.org to submit a video for consideration.